Meet palak patel | Chef and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with palak patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi palak, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in a family of fifteen, living under one roof, we always cooked and ate together. The motivation of family behind my creative career is multifaceted. It stems from a variety of factors, including personal experiences, cultural values, and a desire to share my culture with others.

My career is an opportunity to fulfill this innate desire to express that love I grew up seeing through food. In Indian culture, artistic expression is not always praised or valued. But as I got older my parents began to see that it was an incredible way to connect with their cultural heritage.

I use cooking to share my thoughts, feelings, and stories with the world. The process of creating dishes is a personally rewarding experience that inspires others and simply brings joy to people’s lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was feeling unfulfilled in my current career, changing careers may be the best way to find happiness and find myself in a new way. So, I changed careers in my 30s. I left a cushy corporate job and enrolled in culinary school. It required a level of courage, determination, and a willingness that I had never practiced before in my life to make that leap. It was the best move and an incredibly rewarding experience.

I was engulfed with self-doubt at the beginning because changing careers can and is financially risky – especially living in New York City. I knew that even with these challenges changing careers and starting over was my only option.

I learned to trust my instinct and listen to that inner guidance that is there all along. As a result of that leap I made, I’ve had the privilege to beat an Iron Chef (Bobbly Flay) on national TV, opened my first restaurant, and have a new cookbook coming out in 2024.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d go back to New York. My heart is always in New York.

No trip to New York is complete without a stroll through Central Park. This sprawling green space in the middle of the city is my place for zen, and to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Bagels at Russ and Daughters are a must. Lunch at Upland. Yoga at LL Studio or any other place that offers a variety of classes.

Biking across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring the neighborhoods. Pizza at Lucali’s!

Walk the Highline, lunch at Cookshop, and then MET. End the day in a spa at Aire Ancient Baths,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d give a shoutout to my mom who really is the driving force behind my intense love of sharing food with others.

Website: www.chefpalakpatel.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palak-p-15a0462/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefpalak/